Grapple Rake Grapple for my 555E

[kennyd]

The current thought from both the mechanics at New Holland and the owner of they hydraulic repair shop that I go to, is to have the grapple function replace one of the loader functions. In this case, for the grapple to close, the rake will not be able to tilt. One or the other will work, but not both at the same time.

The way I understand it, due to the large volume that this hydraulic system has, it's very expensive to install all the componts that can handle this. If I go too small, I create massive amounts of heat, which is bad. They said that by doing it this way, I just have to have a button that I hold down and the joystick contol will switch from tilting the bucket/rake to closing the grapples.

At first, I fought this idea, but after talking to each place twice, I see that this won't be that big a deal and it makes it a very simple install. I already have a button on the side of my joystick right where my thumb rests.

They said that the hydraulic preasure would keep the grapples closed when the button is released and the tilt function of the bucket/rake would return. So while I'm carrying the load to the burn pile, I'm not having to hold down the button.

I really don't see this as being all that bad, but it's also not my first choice in how to do this.

Eddie

What they are selling you is a basic electric Diverter. They are perfect for this setup. If you do a search for "diverter" in the hydraulics section there is lots of talk about them.

 

[EddieWalker]

It's here!!!....... Now what?

 

[EddieWalker]

The hydraulics part of it are pretty simple. I think that I have a grasp on that part of it. What has me spinning my wheels and worried about my head exploding is how to take off the original bucket and mount the quick attach to it. Once this is done, I'll be able to use any and all Universal Quick Attach attachments, but getting it right and strong is the key to this.

Eddie

 

[jake98]

[
I really don't see this as being all that bad, but it's also not my first choice in how to do this.

Eddie[/QUOTE]



Eddie, I just went thru the same ?'s when I installed my grapple. What made sense to me was that if I had the 'third function valves (I guess third and fourth functions)' I would be able to use them for other attachments in the future. Rear remotes they called them. Seperate levers. They come out on the back, on the wrong end for a grapple, and use a different lever(s), but, after using it for a season, I'm glad I did it that way. There doesn't ever seem to be a timing issue when I'm clamping trees or brush, it's a slow moving process, and I now have the remotes I can use for other future attachments. Routing the hoses up to the front was also not much of an issue. Good luck, that looks like a nice grapple. Jake

ps I think the cheaper price of a diverter valve is why some people use that system, but if you can't use it for anything else...

 

[IH3444]

That thing looks like a medivel torture device, and belongs in a road warrior movie.....reminds me of a movie I saw years ago with my nephews, called "The Mangler" You go boy go. I lov it!

 

[EddieWalker]

The 12v, 6 way diverter valve arrived today from Surplus Center. It was $277 and didn't include any instructions of any kind. It's made by Parker, so I'm hoping I can check with my local guy to see what he says about it.

As for the Universal Attachment, I spent some time with a tape measure, level and square working on an idea. I will need to remove the brackets from my loader bucket and weld a Universal Attachment to that, so I'm thinking about using that existing metal for my bracketry.

We'll see.

Eddie

 

[jmc]

Eddie,

Your new grapple looks great!

While I think the standard QA system is a great concept, keep in mind that it was developed for skid steers and not industrial duty TLBs. You may have to do some reinforcing.

John

 

[EddieWalker]

You may have to do some reinforcing.

John,

I agree 1,000%!!!! This is why my head is close to exploding. I've been working around differnet aproaches to making the attachment as strong as possible.

First, I'm not going to weld it, I'm hiring that out. I'm a decent welder, but not great. Sometimes it's cheaper in the long run to hire an expert to do it right the first time.

Second, I'm going to build templates from plywood and have the welder cut them out. I can rought it out on wood, then do a final cut that will be perfect. The welder will have to have a plasma cutter to cut it out of the metal. Probably 3/8's, but I'm still not sure of what type of metal to use.

Any suggestions?

Doing it this way should gurantee the welds are done right. The design will not be set in stone, so if the welder, and I have two that I'm going to talk to, has some suggestions, I'll go with them. The goal is to make it bulletproof and able to last years of regular abuse!!!

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[3RRL]

Eddie,
Can you post some pictures of
a) How your bucket is attached to the loader arms now. Is it pinned on?
b) A close up of the attachment on your existing bucket.

Are basically going to make a QA skid steer attachment that stays on the loader arms then?
I presume you will want it to fit your new grapple and other QA attachments and also your bucket, right?

 

[EddieWalker]

Hi Rob,

I'll take some more pictures and post them tomorrow.

Currently, but bucket is attached by pins to my loader arms.

The QA attachement will be permanent on the loader arms. After I get this figured out, I will have to modify my bucket with a bracket to accept the QU setup. That should be a simple matter of welding on a plate of steel and the brackets that were included with my grapple.

Eddie